Rfid mesh label, tire having rfid mesh label integrally incorporated therein, and methods of making

ABSTRACT

An RFID mesh label configured to be integrally incorporated within a vulcanized tire and to further provide unique identifier(s) and/or other information about the vulcanized tire during and/or post-vulcanization, the RFID mesh label including a face layer configured to be positioned adjacent or flush to an outer surface of the vulcanized tire; an RFID layer positioned underneath the face layer, the RFID layer having an RFID device that is configured to provide unique identifier(s) and/or other information about the vulcanized tire upon being read with an RFID reader; and a mesh backing overlying the RFID layer and adapted to be integrally incorporated in a vulcanized tire after subjecting a green tire to a vulcanization process.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to mesh labels having barcodeand/or radio frequency identification (RFID) capabilities, and moreparticularly, to RFID mesh labels that can be applied on rubber-basedarticles (e.g., green tires) prior to vulcanization processes and canmaintain operability during these processes as well as subsequent use ofan article. Additionally, the present subject matter is directed tomethods of producing articles and methods of using such labels andarticles.

BACKGROUND

Articles are commonly monitored during manufacture and thereafter forinventory control purposes. A common practice in many fields is to applya label to an article containing an identifier or other informationassociated with the article.

Regarding tire manufacture, to which the present invention findsparticular application, identifying tires and other rubber-basedarticles can be problematic, particularly if the identification is tooccur prior to fabrication and/or before production is complete. Tiresand a wide array of other rubber-based articles can be subjected to oneor more vulcanization processes in which the tire or tire components arefused or molded together. Vulcanization modifies the rubber-basedcomposition by forming an extensive network of crosslinks within therubber matrix, thereby significantly increasing the strength anddurability of the article. Although numerous vulcanization techniquesare known having various different curing systems, all or nearly allvulcanization techniques include the application of high pressure andelevated temperatures to the “green,” i.e., non-vulcanized, rubber-basedarticle.

In view of these process conditions, adhesive-based labels have beendeveloped that can be applied to green rubber-based articles such astires, and which can endure the relatively high temperatures andpressures associated with vulcanization. While satisfactory in manyrespects, adhesive labels and adhesive bead labels are not designed tolast the lifetime of the article and can become detached from thearticle due to the various types of stress the article is subjected toboth during and after production.

Potential detachment of the label can be caused by label stiffness andthe inability to handle the flexing of rubber during multiple stages ofthe tire build and when fitted on the rim. The problem starts initiallyduring the vulcanization process while the mold is moving, and continuesright after curing when the tire is still hot. If the tire is releasedfrom the mold and moves (e.g., flexes) too much, the label can fall offor at the least the adhesion is weakened as a result of the movement.Additionally, during the process of fitting the tire on a rim, the tire(particularly the bead area) is subjected to significant mechanicalstress by the fitting machines. Lastly, when tires are in use, thevarious road and driving stresses can cause the bead label to detachfrom the tire.

Within the tire industry, label suppliers are concentrating on thedevelopment of better adhesives. Conversely, tire and rubber productproducers are experimenting on the positioning of the label by applyingthe label in the so-called “non-flexing-zones” of the tire or rubberproduct. While these activities could potentially alleviate detachmentto some degree, they are not final solutions. Additionally, the additionof RFID chips to current solutions contributes to detachment, andlocating current labels behind the metal rim post-fitting impedes theability to read the RFID chip from a useful distance.

Accordingly, what is needed is an alternative to an adhesive-based RFIDlabel capable of remaining attached and operable to a rubber-basedarticle during article production (e.g., vulcanization), distribution,inventory and article lifetime.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are RFID mesh labels that provide solutions to currentlyobserved industry problems. Specifically, the RFID mesh labels disclosedherein are capable of remaining attached and operable to a rubber-basedarticle (e.g., tires) by creating non-flex zones during and/orpost-article production (e.g., vulcanization), distribution, inventory,and article lifetime thereby providing unique identifier(s) and/or otherinformation about the article during distribution, inventory, andarticle lifetime. In certain aspects disclosed is an RFID mesh labelconfigured to be integrally incorporated within a vulcanized tire thatprovides unique identifier(s) and/or other information about thevulcanized tire during tire manufacture and throughout the lifetime ofthe vulcanized tire. The RFID mesh label includes a face layerconfigured to be positioned adjacent to or flush on an outer surface ofthe vulcanized tire (post-vulcanization); an RFID layer positionedunderneath the face layer, the RFID layer having an RFID device that isconfigured to sense and/or provide unique identifier(s) and/or otherinformation about the vulcanized tire upon being read with an RFIDreader; and a mesh backing overlying the RFID layer that is adapted tobe integrally incorporated in a vulcanized tire after subjecting a greentire to a vulcanization process.

In certain aspects, the mesh backing includes a surface treatment thatfacilitates bonding between a green tire and the mesh backing duringvulcanization to result in the RFID mesh label being integrallyincorporated within a vulcanized tire (post-vulcanization).

In certain aspects, the surface treatment comprises a coating havingreactive thiols therein, a coating having reactive amines therein, acoating having reactive hydroxyls therein, or any combination thereofthat facilitate crosslinking between the mesh backing and a green tireduring vulcanization to integrally incorporate the mesh backing withinthe vulcanized tire formed by the vulcanization process.

In certain aspects, the face layer and mesh backing have convergent endsbonded together along the periphery of the RFID mesh label such that theface layer and mesh backing surround the RFID layer and encase the RFIDlayer within the RFID mesh label.

In certain aspects, the convergent ends of the face layer and meshbacking are configured to release from one another during vulcanizationof the article/tire.

In certain aspects, the mesh backing is a grid having a predeterminedshape with a plurality of openings formed thereon that are configured topass material from the green article/tire there through in a directiontowards the RFID device and/or face layer of the RFID mesh label. Forexample, the grid, in certain aspects, is an orthogonal grid shape. Incertain aspects, the grid is deformable or non-deformable—with the grideither deforming (e.g., resulting in distorted grid) duringvulcanization or being non-deformable and maintaining its initial shapeduring and after vulcanization of the tire. In certain aspects, the meshbacking is an orthogonal grid configured to pass and disperse greenrubber material from a green tire through the orthogonal grid duringvulcanization to the RFID layer and/or face layer such that portions ofthe RFID layer and/or face layer are bonded to the vulcanized tire.

In certain aspects, the mesh backing is a non-deformable orthogonal gridconfigured to homogeneously pass and disperse green rubber material froma green tire through the non-deformable orthogonal grid duringvulcanization to the RFID layer and/or face layer such that portions ofthe RFID layer and/or face layer are bonded (homogeneously bonded) tothe vulcanized tire.

In certain aspects, the mesh backing is more rigid than both the RFIDand face layer(s) and is configured to limit mechanical stress to theRFID and/or face layers while the RFID mesh label is in use by absorbingand/or dampening mechanical stress transmitted from the vulcanized tireto the RFID mesh label.

In additional aspects, also disclosed are methods for forming vulcanizedtire(s) having an RFID mesh label integrally incorporated therein, themethod includes: (a) attaching an RFID mesh label on an outer surface ofa green tire; (b) placing the green tire with the RFID mesh labelattached thereon into a tire mold; (c) subjecting the green tire of step(b) to vulcanization conditions; (d) while vulcanizing the green tire ofstep (c), passing green rubber material from the green tire through amesh backing of the RFID mesh label in a direction towards a face layerof the RFID mesh label while concurrently migrating the RFID mesh labelin an internal direction of the green tire; and (e) concludingvulcanization thereby forming a vulcanized tire having the mesh backingof the RFID mesh label internally positioned within the vulcanized tiresuch that: (i) the mesh backing and other portions of the RFID meshlabel are permanently bonded to internal portions of the vulcanizedtire, and (ii) the face layer is adjacent to or flush with an outersurface of the vulcanized tire such that an RFID device within the RFIDmesh label can be read from a predetermined distance by a RFID reader.

In certain aspects of the method, the RFID mesh label comprises the facelayer and mesh backing with the RFID device positioned there between.

In certain aspects of the method, the mesh backing is a grid having apredetermined shape. For example, the grid, in certain aspects, is anorthogonal grid shape. In certain aspects, the grid is deformable ornon-deformable—with the grid either deforming (e.g., resulting indistorted grid) during vulcanization or being non-deformable andmaintaining its initial shape during and after vulcanization of thetire.

In certain aspects of the method, the mesh backing maintains anorthogonal grid shape throughout vulcanization and after step (e) offorming the vulcanized tire.

In certain aspects of the method, the green rubber materialhomogeneously disperses through the orthogonal grid during step (d).

In certain aspects of the method, the vulcanized tire of step (e)includes undulating ridges formed on and visible from an outer surfaceof the vulcanized tire, the undulating ridges correspond to the meshbacking permanently bonded within the vulcanized tire.

In certain aspects of the method, the face layer further comprises barcoding formed thereon.

In certain aspects of the method, the RFID mesh label is integrallyincorporated on a tire sidewall or a tire bead.

In yet further aspects, also disclosed is a vulcanized tire including anRFID mesh label integrally incorporated within the vulcanized tire thatis configured to provide unique identifier(s) and/or other informationabout the tire, wherein the RFID mesh label comprises: a face layerconfigured to be adjacent or flush to an outer surface of the vulcanizedtire, the outer surface of the vulcanized tire is a tire sidewall or atire bead; an RFID layer positioned underneath the face layer, the RFIDlayer having an RFID device that provides unique identifier(s) and/orother information upon being read with an RFID reader; and a meshbacking overlying the RFID layer that is a non-deformable orthogonalgrid having vulcanized rubber material homogeneously passed anddispersed there through such that the mesh backing is surrounded by andbonded to vulcanized rubber material of the vulcanized tire and portionsof the RFID layer and face layer of the RFID mesh label are bonded tovulcanized rubber material of the vulcanized tire.

In certain aspects of the vulcanized tire, the RFID mesh label furthercomprises bar coding formed on an outermost surface of the face layer.

In certain aspects of the vulcanized tire, undulating ridges are formedon an outer surface of the vulcanized tire that correspond to theinternal position of the mesh backing positioned within the vulcanizedtire and the undulating ridges are laterally adjacent to planar surfacesformed on the outer surface of the vulcanized tire.

In one aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed toRFID mesh label(s) including a chemically-treated mesh material/backing(e.g., having reactive amine groups, hydroxyl groups, and/or thiolgroups) available within the rubber industry. After applying such alabel on a non-vulcanized article such as a tire, during vulcanizationthe mesh backing/material releases from the bead label material as aresult of the high temperature and/or pressure, the rubber“floats”/passes through the mesh backing/material and crosslinks theRFID mesh label to the rubber, and the mesh backing/material creates astiff non-flexing zone within the rubber article where the label isintegrated with the rubber material of the article just under the labelsurface. As a result, the RFID mesh label remains on the rubber articleand is inseparable and operable therefrom for the lifetime of thearticle.

This present solution utilizes a combination of different types ofmaterials known and in use separately in the tire and rubber industry.The mesh backing/mesh material is currently in use in various tiresproduced to enforce/re-inforce the tire construction. For example, themesh backing/mesh material disclosed herein preferably comprises nylon,and current suppliers of nylon mesh backings/materials include, but arenot limited to, Milliken & Company™ and Glanzstoff™. Current suppliersof vulcanizing label materials include, but are not limited to, Data2™,Lintec™, Avery Dennison™ and Computype™.

Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combinationof the above features and configurations.

Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description orrecognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description present various embodiments of the invention, andare intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of theinvention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention are better understood when the following detailed descriptionof the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of the RFID mesh labels disclosedherein;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D sequentially depict the RFID mesh label beingprovided/attached to a green tire and migrating/descending towards aninternal depth (D¹) within the tire during vulcanization such that themesh label is integrally formed with the vulcanized tire;

FIG. 3 depicts steps S1-S5 associated with the method of integrallyforming the RFID mesh label(s) disclosed herein within a vulcanizedtire;

FIG. 4A is a photograph providing a perspective view of the RFID meshlabel;

FIG. 4B is a photograph providing aback perspective view of the samemesh label; and FIG. 4(C is a photograph providing a side perspectiveview of the same mesh label;

FIG. 5A is a photograph showing the face layer and RFID layer of anotherRFID mesh label with a bar code printed on the face layer, FIG. 5B is aback perspective view of the same mesh label further including the meshmaterial; and FIG. 5C is another back perspective view of the same meshlabel with the RFID layer positioned between the mesh material and facelayer;

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically depict the mesh backing having anorthogonal grid and distorted grid respectively; FIG. 6C is a schematicdepiction of the planar cross-section of an outer surface of a tire;FIG. 6D is a schematic depiction of an undulating surface formed on atire surface when the mesh backing of the RFID mesh label is integrallyincorporated therein; and FIG. 6E schematically depicts a cross-sectionof an outer surface of a vulcanized tire having the RFID mesh labelintegrally formed therein including an undulating surface and beinglaterally adjacent to planar surfaces of the tire that do not includethe RFID mesh label therein;

FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a vulcanized tire including tread,sidewall(s), and a bead; and

FIG. 8A is a photograph of an RFID mesh label integrally formed on avulcanized tire having a plain face layer; FIG. 8B is a photograph ofanother RFID mesh label integrally formed on a vulcanized tire having abar code printed on the face layer, and FIG. 8C is a photograph showingan RFID mesh label integrally incorporated into a vulcanized tire alongwith undulating ridges formed on an outer surface of the vulcanized tirethat correspond to the internal position of the mesh backing positionedwithin the vulcanized tire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to therepresentative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete,and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Likereference numbers refer to like elements throughout the variousdrawings.

RFID mesh labels according to the present invention enable various tiretracking solutions that include electronic identification provisionssuch as, for example, RFID devices incorporated in/onto a substrate suchas a mesh backing/material such that the labels are configured towithstand pressures, temperatures and stresses associated withmanufacturing (e.g., tire vulcanization) and a wide variety of use oftires and other rubber products while concurrently maintainingoperability during these processes, after these processes, andthroughout the lifetime of the article thereby sensing and providingunique identifier(s) and/or other information about the article duringdistribution, inventory, and article lifetime.

As disclosed further below, the RFID mesh label can be affixed to and/orincorporated on the sidewall and/or within the bead of a wide array oftires. Depending on the type of tire, the stretch of the tire (sidewall)or the use of the tire (e.g. racing tires), the thickness and surfacearea of the different label materials including the meshbacking/substrate may vary.

As will be appreciated, tires are typically used in combination withrims of a vehicle. The rubber-based tire provides support and grippingfor the vehicle with a road or ground surface. The RFID mesh label maybe used with bias tires, belted bias tires, radial tires, solid tires,semi-pneumatic tires, pneumatic tires, airless tires, truck and bustires, airplane tires, agro tires, racing tires, etc.

In certain embodiments the label can withstand conditions typicallyassociated with vulcanization processes without degradation. The termvulcanization as used herein generally refers to heating to atemperature greater than 90° C., and up to 200° C., for a predeterminedtime period, for example, at least 10 minutes up to several hours.

The RFID mesh label generally includes at least one RFID device. The atleast one RFID device generally includes an antenna for wirelesslytransmitting and/or receiving RF signals and analog and/or digitalelectronics operatively connected thereto. The RFID device can includepassive RFID devices, or active or semi-passive RFID devices including abattery or other power source. The electronics can be implemented via anintegrated circuit (IC) or microchip or other suitable electroniccircuit and may include, for example, communications electronics, datamemory, control logic, etc.

The RFID device can operate in a variety of frequency ranges including,but not limited to, a low frequency (LF) range (i.e., from approximately30 kHz to approximately 300 kHz), a high frequency (HF) and NFC (NearField Communication) range (i.e., from approximately 3 MHz toapproximately 30 MHz) and an ultra-high frequency (UHF) range (i.e.,from approximately 300 MHz to approximately 3 GHz). A passive device canoperate in any one of the aforementioned frequency ranges, inparticular, for passive devices, LF systems can operate at about 124kHz, 125 kHz or 135 kHz, HF and NFC systems can operate at about 13.56MHz, and UHF systems can use a band from 860 MHz to 960 MHz.Alternately, passive device systems can use 2.45 GHz and other areas ofthe radio spectrum. Active RFID devices can operate at about 455 MHz,2.45 GHz, or 5.8 GHz. Semi-passive devices can operate at a frequency ofabout 2.4 GHz.

The read range of the RFID device (i.e., the range at which the RFIDreader can communicate with the RFID device) can be determined by thetype of device (i.e., active, passive, etc.). Passive LF RFID devices(also referred to as LFID or LowFID devices) can typically be read fromwithin approximately 12 inches (0.33 meters); passive HF RFID devices(also referred to as HFID or HighFID or NFC devices) can typically beread from up to approximately 3 feet (1 meter); and passive UHF RFIDdevices (also referred to as UHFID devices) can typically be read fromapproximately 10 feet (3.05 meters) or more. One factor influencing theread range for passive RFID devices is the method used to transmit datafrom the device to the reader, i.e., the coupling mode between thedevice and the reader-which can be either inductive coupling orradiative/propagation coupling. Passive LFID devices and passive HFTDdevices can use inductive coupling between the device and the reader,whereas passive UHFID devices can use radiative or propagation couplingbetween the device and the reader.

Alternatively, in radiative or propagation coupling applications (e.g.,as are conventionally used by passive UHFID devices), rather thanforming an electromagnetic field between the respective antennas of thereader and device, the reader can emit electromagnetic energy thatilluminates the device. In turn, the device gathers the energy from thereader via an antenna, and the device's IC or microchip uses thegathered energy to change the load on the device antenna and reflectback an altered signal, i.e., backscatter. UHFID devices can communicatedata in a variety of different ways, e.g., increase the amplitude of thereflected wave sent back to the reader (i.e., amplitude shift keying),shift the reflected wave out of the phase received wave (i.e., phaseshift keying), or change the frequency of the reflected wave (i.e.,frequency shift keying). The reader in turn picks up the backscatteredsignal and converts the altered wave into data understood by the readeror adjunct computer.

The antenna employed in the RFID device can be affected by numerousfactors, e.g., the intended application, the type of device (i.e.,active, passive, semi-active, etc.), the desired read range, thedevice-to-reader coupling mode, the frequency of operation of thedevice, etc. For example, insomuch as passive LFID devices are normallyinductively coupled with the reader, and because the voltage induced inthe device antenna is proportional to the operating frequency of thedevice, passive LFID devices can be provisioned with a coil antennahaving many turns in order to produce enough voltage to operate thedevice IC or microchip. Comparatively, a conventional HFID passivedevice can be provisioned with an antenna which is a planar spiral(e.g., with 5 to 7 turns over a credit-card-sized form factor), toprovide read ranges on the order of tens of centimeters. HFID antennacoils can be less costly to produce (e.g., compared to LFID antennacoils), since they can be made using techniques relatively lessexpensive than wire winding, e.g., lithography or the like. UHFIDpassive devices can be radiatively and/or propagationally coupled withthe reader antenna and consequently can employ conventional dipole likeantennas.

The RFID mesh label of the present invention can utilize any of theaforementioned RFID devices, as well as others not specificallymentioned, in one embodiment, the RFID device is a passive device.

Now with specific reference to the Figures included herein, the RFIDmesh labels 100 will be further described below in detail. FIG. 1specifically schematically depicts the RFID mesh label 100 disclosedherein, which as further shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, are configured to beintegrally incorporated within a vulcanized tire 300 and to provideunique identifier(s) and/or other information about the vulcanized tire.As further shown in FIG. 1, the RFID mesh label 100 includes a facelayer 110 configured to be positioned adjacent or flush to an outersurface of the vulcanized tire; an RFID layer 120 positioned underneaththe face layer, the RFID layer having an RFID device that is configuredto provide unique identifier(s) and/or other information about thevulcanized tire upon being read with an RFID reader; and a mesh backing130 overlying the RFID layer and adapted to be integrally incorporatedin a vulcanized tire after subjecting a green tire to a vulcanizationprocess.

The face layer 110 of the RFID mesh label 100 is preferably formed froma rigid planar material (e.g., a polyester or a polyester film) thatoverlies and protects the RFID layer 120 (and more particularly the RFIDdevice) during and after incorporation of the RFID mesh label 100 into agreen tire 200 that is subsequently vulcanized such that operability ofRFID device is maintained during and post-vulcanization. The face layer110 includes an outermost surface 112 opposite the RFID layer 120 andthe mesh backing 130; the outermost surface 112 is visiblepost-installation of the RFID mesh label (and post-vulcanization of thetire). The face layer 110, and more particularly the outermost surface112, may have other unique identifiers such as color and/or bar coding(2D or 3D bar coding) provided and/or printed thereon. The face layer110 further includes an inner surface 114 that is immediately adjacentthe RFID layer 120 and may further include an adhesive that adheres theface layer 110 to the RFID layer 120. In certain aspects, the face layer110 is preferably a solid material with no voids, openings, and/orspaces formed on the outermost surface 112 and is non-deformable,substantially non-deformable, or is resiliently deformable both duringand post-vulcanization of the rubber article (i.e., green tire tovulcanized tire) thereby further protecting the RFID layer 120 (and RFIDdevice) positioned underneath the face layer.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the mesh backing 130 furtheroverlies the RFID layer 120 on a side of the RFID mesh label 100opposite the face layer 110. Similar to the face layer 110, the meshbacking/layer 130 is formed of a rigid planar material (e.g., nylon)having an inner surface 132 and an outermost surface 134, and in certainaspects, the mesh backing substantially corresponds in shape to the facelayer 110 while in other aspects the mesh backing/layer is larger andextends beyond the outer peripheral edges of both the RFID layer 120 andthe face layer 110. As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A further in view ofFIG. 2B, it should be further noted that the inner surface 132 of themesh backing 130 is configured to releasably adhere to portions of theface layer 110. Specifically as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A and as furtherdiscussed below, the face layer 110 and mesh backing 130 have convergentends bonded (releasably bonded) together along the periphery of the RFIDmesh label 100 such that the face layer 110 and mesh backing 130surround the RFID layer 120 and encase the RFID layer within the RFIDmesh label. As discussed further below, the convergent ends of the facelayer 110 and mesh backing 130 are configured to release from oneanother during vulcanization to further facilitate integralincorporation of the RFID mesh label 100 into the tire undergoingvulcanization.

In further view of FIGS. 1 and 2A, the outermost surface 134 of the meshbacking 130 is configured to attach to an outermost surface 201 (alsoreferred to as outer surface) of a green tire 200 and to subsequentlyintegrally bond with the tire during vulcanization (i.e., while formingthe vulcanized tire). To further facilitate bonding between the meshbacking 130 and the tire during vulcanization, at least the outermostsurface 134 of the mesh backing 130 further includes a surfacetreatment. In certain aspects, this surface treatment includes a coatinghaving reactive thiols therein, a coating having reactive aminestherein, a coating having reactive hydroxyls therein, or any combinationthereof that facilitate covalent bonding and/or crosslinking between themesh backing/material 130 and a green tire 200 during vulcanization tointegrally incorporate the mesh backing within the subsequently formedvulcanized tire. Also in view of the above, the mesh backing 130 is morerigid than both the RFID and face layer(s) and is configured to furtherlimit mechanical stress to the RFID layer 120 and/or face layer 110while the RFID mesh label 100 is in use by creating non-flexing zonesthat absorb, distribute, and/or dampen mechanical stress transmittedfrom the vulcanized tire to the RFID mesh label.

The mesh backing 130 is a grid having a predetermined shape thatincludes a plurality of openings distributed throughout the backing suchthat the inner surface 132 and an outermost surface 134 of the meshbacking are in fluid communication with one another and are configuredto pass material (e.g., rubber during vulcanization) from the greenarticle/tire there through in a direction towards the RFID device 120and/or face layer 110 of the RFID mesh label 100. As shown, for examplein FIGS. 6A and 6B, the grid is either an orthogonal grid shape or adistorted grid respectively. Depending on the desired characteristicsand dispersion properties of the rubber through the grid duringvulcanization, the grid is either deformable or non-deformable—with thegrid either deforming (e.g., resulting in distorted grid) duringvulcanization or being non-deformable and maintaining its initial shapeduring and after vulcanization of the tire.

In certain aspects and in view of FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, and 6A, the meshbacking 130 is either a deformable or non-deformable orthogonal gridconfigured to pass and disperse green rubber material from a green tire200 through the orthogonal grid during vulcanization to the RFID layer120 and/or the inner surface 114 of face layer 110 such that portions ofthe RFID layer and/or face layer are bonded to the vulcanized tire uponcompletion of the vulcanization process. In certain preferred aspects,the mesh backing 130 is a non-deformable orthogonal grid configured tohomogeneously pass and disperse green rubber material from a green tire200 through the non-deformable orthogonal grid during vulcanization tothe RFID layer 120 and/or face layer 110 such that portions of the RFIDlayer and/or face layer are homogeneously bonded to the vulcanized tire.FIGS. 4A-4C and FIGS. 5A-5C show various photographs of the contemplatedRFID mesh labels having various construction(s). For example, FIG. 4A isa photograph providing a perspective view of the RFID mesh label 100depicting the face layer 110 and mesh backing 130 including the innersurface 132 thereof; FIG. 4B is a photograph providing a backperspective view of the same mesh label (of FIG. 4A) further depictingthe RFID layer and mesh backing 130 including the outermost surface 134;and FIG. 4C is a photograph providing a side perspective view of thesame mesh label having the RFID layer 120 partially separated from theinner surface 132 of the mesh backing 130. FIG. 5A is a photographshowing the face layer 110 and RFID layer 120 of another contemplatedRFID mesh label with a bar code printed on the face layer, FIG. 5B is aback perspective view of the same RFID mesh label further including themesh backing 130 and the RFID layer 120; and FIG. 5C is another backperspective view of the same mesh label fully assembled with the RFIDlayer 120 positioned between the mesh backing 130 and face layer (notshown).

In view of FIGS. 2A-2D and FIG. 3, the RFID mesh label 100 according tothe invention can be installed during tire manufacture such that thelabel becomes an integral, inseparable part of the tire. In view ofFIGS. 2A-2D and FIG. 7, the RFID mesh label 100 can be affixed to and/orincorporated within a wide array of green tires 200 and/or vulcanizedtires 300 tire locations thereon including, but not limited to, thesidewall 311, bead 310, etc. As discussed in detail below, the label canbe incorporated into the sidewall 311 to facilitate reading fromalongside the tire as well as avoid impact damage.

FIGS. 2A-2D sequentially depict the RFID mesh label 100 beingprovided/attached to a green tire 200 and subsequentlymigrating/descending towards an internal depth (D¹) within inner portion202 of the tire during vulcanization such that the RFID mesh label 100is integrally formed/incorporated within the vulcanized tire 300 (formedfrom vulcanization of the green tire), and FIG. 3 further depicts thesequential steps S1-S5 of integrally incorporating/forming the RFID meshlabel(s) 100 disclosed herein within a vulcanized tire 300.

With specific reference to FIG. 2A and step S1 in FIG. 3, the RFID meshlabel 100 is initially provided and the outer surface 134 of the meshbacking 130 is adhered/attached to an outermost surface 201 of a greenrubber article/green tire 200. The arrows extending downward from theRFID mesh label 100 towards the green tire 200 and arrows extendingupward from the green tire 200 indicate the direction(s) in which theRFID mesh label 100 is advanced to adhere/attach the label onto theoutermost surface 201 of a green rubber article/green tire 200.

Next and as further detailed in step S2 of FIG. 3 and in view of FIGS.2A and 2B, the green tire 200 having the RFID mesh label 100adhered/attached thereto is placed into a tire mold for subsequentvulcanization in which the green tire 200 and RFID mesh label 100 aresubjected to temperatures and pressures associated with vulcanizationprocesses to vulcanize the green tire while in the mold.

When initially subjected to temperatures and pressures associated withvulcanization processes while vulcanizing the green tire 200 and asfurther shown in FIG. 2B in view of FIG. 2A, the convergent ends of theface layer 110 and mesh backing 130 release from one another and thereleased ends of the mesh backing 130 advance in a direction towards theoutermost surface 201 of the green tire 200 thereby allowing for moregreen rubber material to be passed from the green tire there throughduring vulcanization and to further increase the overall bondingstrength between the RFID mesh label (particularly the mesh backing andportions of the RFID layer and portions of the face layer). As furthershown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and in further view of step S3 in FIG. 3, whilevulcanizing the green tire 200, the mesh material 130 passes greenrubber material from the green tire 200 therethrough (indicated asarrows extending upward in a direction extending from inside/innerportions 202 the green tire 200 towards face layer 110) while the meshbacking 130 concurrently begins migrating/descending towards internaldepth D¹ of an inner portion 202 the green tire 200 (indicated as arrowsextending downward in a direction extending from the face layer 110towards the inside/inner portion(s) 202 of the green tire 200).

In view of steps S4 and S5 of FIG. 3 and FIGS. 2C-2D, vulcanization iscontinued for a predetermined time period such that mesh backing 130 andother portions of RFID mesh label 100 continue to migrate/descendtowards internal depth D¹ of tire while passing rubber materialtherethrough such that the mesh backing 130 and other portions of themesh label bond to tire material 202 during vulcanization. With specificreference to step S5 of FIG. 3 and in further view of FIG. 2D,vulcanization is subsequently concluded thereby forming the vulcanizedtire 300 having the meshing backing 130 positioned at internal depth D¹within an inner portion 302 of the vulcanized tire 300 and such thatmesh backing 130 and portions of the RFID layer 120 and/or portions ofthe face layer 110 such as the inner surface 114 of the RFID mesh label100 are permanently bonded to/integrally incorporated in the vulcanizedtire 300. As further shown in FIGS. 2D, 6E, and 8A-8C, the face layer110 is adjacent to or flush with the outer surface 301 of vulcanizedtire 300 upon concluding the vulcanization process. As further shown inFIG. 6E and FIG. 8C, undulating ridges formed by the mesh backing 130 ofthe RFID mesh label 100 being integrally incorporated in the vulcanizedtire 300 are visible when viewing the vulcanized tire and are furtherflanked by outer surfaces 301 (e.g., planar surfaces and/or planar outersurfaces) immediately adjacent the RFID mesh label 100 on the vulcanizedtire.

As a result of the above discussed vulcanization process(es): (1) themesh backing at least partially releases from the RFID mesh label as aresult of heat and/or pressure during vulcanization; (2) the rubber(from the green article/tire) floats through the mesh backing/materialand crosslinks the RFID mesh label to the rubber while the meshbacking/material migrates/descends within the rubber; and (3) uponconcluding vulcanization, the mesh backing creates a very stiff area(“non-flexing zone”) within the vulcanized rubber article just under thelabel surface (view as undulating ridges in FIGS. 6E and 8C) thatadvantageously absorbs and/or dampens mechanical stress transmitted fromthe vulcanized tire to the RFID mesh label thereby ensuring operabilityand increasing lifespan of the RFID device/layer included within theRFID mesh label disclosed herein. As a further result of the abovediscussed process(es)/method(s), the RFID mesh label remains on/in therubber product (e.g., vulcanized tire) and is inseparable from therubber for the lifetime of the product.

The disclosed RFID mesh label 100 provides a solution that creates anon-flexing zone within the rubber product (i.e., vulcanized product orvulcanized tire) just under the surface of the label while allowing therubber to flow through the mesh material and bond the label to the tire.The mesh backing 130 is released during the process of vulcanization andcreates this non-flexing zone. Therefore, the solution significantlyreduces the amount of stress placed on the label thereby increasingoperability and lifespan of the label.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, the RFID mesh label 100 further allowsfor placement on different locations other than the bead area 310 invulcanized tires 300, which include, for example, tire sidewalls 311and/or tread(s) 312. This placement flexibility is important when thelabel is combined with an RFID solution, since the label is not requiredto be placed on the bead area and therefore is not covered by the steelrim.

The inventive concepts disclosed herein are further directed to methodsof identifying a rubber-based article. The method can include affixingone or more RFID mesh labels 100 to a rubber-based article, the labelincluding an RFID component configured to provide a unique identifier orother information upon being read or otherwise interrogated. Once thelabel is affixed to the rubber-based article, the unique identifier isthus associated with that particular article. The label can be affixedto the article prior to vulcanization or in certain applications, aftervulcanization.

The article can be identified by use of an RFID reader as previouslydescribed herein. Identification of the article enables a wide array ofapplications to be performed such as tracking the article in amanufacturing or production system, monitoring the location of thearticle, performing inventory operations, fleet management, maintenanceand repair, product life cycle management, etc.

The RFID mesh label is suitable for use with other articles, includingother rubber-based and non-rubber-based articles. Non-limiting examplesof other rubber-based articles include suspension components, cushions,shoe soles, hoses, hockey pucks, conveyor belts, musical mouth pieces,bowling balls, rubber mats, etc.

The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by wayof example only. It is envisioned that other embodiments may performsimilar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all suchequivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the presentinvention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An RFID mesh label configured to be integrallyincorporated within a vulcanized tire and to provide uniqueidentifier(s) and/or other information about the vulcanized tire, theRFID mesh label comprising: a face layer configured to be positionedadjacent or flush to an outer surface of the vulcanized tire; an RFIDlayer positioned underneath the face layer, the RFID layer having anRFID device that is configured to provide unique identifier(s) and/orother information about the vulcanized tire upon being read with an RFIDreader, and a mesh backing overlying the RFID layer and adapted to beintegrally incorporated in a vulcanized tire after subjecting a greentire to a vulcanization process.
 2. The RFID mesh label of claim 1,wherein the mesh backing includes a surface treatment that facilitatesbonding between a green tire and the mesh backing.
 3. The RFID meshlabel of claim 2, wherein the surface treatment comprises a coatinghaving reactive thiols therein, a coating having reactive aminestherein, a coating having reactive hydroxyls therein, or any combinationthereof that facilitate crosslinking between the mesh backing and agreen tire during vulcanization to integrally incorporate the meshbacking within the vulcanized tire.
 4. The RFID mesh label of claim 3,wherein the face layer and mesh backing have convergent ends bondedtogether along the periphery of the RFID mesh label such that the facelayer and mesh backing surround the RFID layer and encase the RFID layerwithin the RFID mesh label.
 5. The RFID mesh label of claim 4, whereinthe convergent ends of the face layer and mesh backing are configured torelease from one another during vulcanization.
 6. The RFID mesh label ofclaim 5, wherein the mesh backing is an orthogonal grid configured topass and disperse green rubber material from a green tire through theorthogonal grid during vulcanization to the RFID layer and/or face layersuch that portions of the RFID layer and/or face layer are bonded to thevulcanized tire.
 7. The RFID mesh label of claim 6, wherein the meshbacking is a non-deformable orthogonal grid configured to homogeneouslypass and disperse green rubber material from a green tire through thenon-deformable orthogonal grid during vulcanization to the RFID layerand/or face layer such that portions of the RFID layer and/or face layerare bonded to the vulcanized tire.
 8. The RFID mesh label of claim 7,wherein the mesh backing is more rigid than both the RFID and facelayer(s) and is configured to limit mechanical stress to the RFID and/orface layers while in the RFID mesh label is use by absorbing and/ordampening mechanical stress transmitted from the vulcanized tire to theRFID mesh label.
 9. A method for forming vulcanized tire(s) having anRFID mesh label integrally incorporated therein, the method comprising:(a) attaching an RFID mesh label on outer surface of a green tire; (b)placing the green tire with the RFID mesh label attached thereon into atire mold; (c) subjecting the green tire of step (b) to vulcanizationconditions; (d) while vulcanizing the green tire of step (c), passinggreen rubber material from the green tire through a mesh backing of theRFID mesh label in a direction towards a face layer of the RFID meshlabel while concurrently migrating the RFID mesh label in an internaldirection of the green tire; and (e) concluding vulcanization therebyforming a vulcanized tire having the mesh backing of the RFID mesh labelinternally positioned within the vulcanized tire such that: (i) the meshbacking and other portions of the RFID mesh label are permanently bondedto internal portions of the vulcanized tire, and (ii) the face layer isadjacent to or flush with an outer surface of vulcanized tire such thatan RFID device within the RFID mesh label can be read from apredetermined distance by a RFID reader.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the RFID mesh label comprises the face layer and mesh backingwith the RFID device positioned there between.
 11. The method of claim9, wherein the mesh backing is an orthogonal grid shape.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein the mesh backing maintains an orthogonal grid shapethroughout vulcanization and after step (e) of forming the vulcanizedtire.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the green rubber materialhomogeneously disperses through the orthogonal grid during step (d). 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the vulcanized tire of step (e) includesundulating ridges formed on and visible from an outer surface of thevulcanized tire, the undulating ridges correspond to the mesh backingpermanently bonded within the vulcanized tire.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the face layer further comprises bar coding formed thereon.16. The method of claim 9, wherein the RFID mesh label is integrallyincorporated on a tire sidewall or a tire bead.
 17. A vulcanized tirecomprising: an RFID mesh label integrally incorporated within thevulcanized tire that is configured to provide unique identifier(s)and/or other information about the tire, wherein the RFID mesh labelcomprises: a face layer configured to be adjacent or flush to an outersurface of the vulcanized tire, the outer surface of the vulcanized tireis a tire sidewall or a tire bead; an RFID layer positioned underneaththe face layer, the RFID layer having an RFID device that providesunique identifier(s) and/or other information upon being read with anRFID reader; and a mesh backing overlying the RFID layer that is anon-deformable orthogonal grid having vulcanized rubber materialhomogeneously passed and dispersed there through such that the meshbacking is surrounded by and bonded to vulcanized rubber material of thevulcanized tire and portions of the RFID layer and face layer of theRFID mesh label are bonded to vulcanized rubber material of thevulcanized tire.
 18. The vulcanized tire of claim 17, wherein the RFIDmesh label further comprises bar coding formed on an outermost surfaceof the face layer.
 19. The vulcanized tire of claim 18, whereinundulating ridges are formed on an outer surface of the vulcanized tirethat correspond to the internal position of the mesh backing positionedwithin the vulcanized tire and the undulating ridges are laterallyadjacent to planar surfaces formed on the outer surface of thevulcanized tire.